Superstar LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers is embarking on his 21st season in the NBA, joining an elite group of players, including Vince Carter, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Willis, and Robert Parish, who have played for 21 seasons or more. Vince Carter holds the record with an impressive 22 seasons.
LeBron’s remarkable longevity in the league, along with his recent desire to continue playing for several more years and his public goal of sharing the court with his McDonald’s All-American son, Bronny James, makes it highly likely that he will match or even break Carter’s record.
Earlier this year, LeBron achieved another milestone by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record, further solidifying his claim to the title of the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.). With the seasons-played record within reach, let’s delve into how LeBron James has crafted one of the most extraordinary legacies in NBA history over the past two decades.
LeBron’s journey began when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. At just 18 years old, he was already a national sensation, earning the moniker “The Chosen One” and gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated. With enormous expectations resting on his shoulders, basketball enthusiasts eagerly awaited his debut.
LeBron JamesAnd without being aware of it, I had my Star before kick-off. I know you gave me the strength to accomplish something truly unique. I know you were watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace, dad.
The young phenom wasted no time proving his worth. In his debut game against the Sacramento Kings, LeBron showcased his skills by scoring 25 points, along with 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. This was just the beginning, as he averaged 20.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in his rookie season.
LeBron spent the next six seasons in Cleveland, where he won back-to-back MVP awards in his final two seasons with the team. During this time, he led the Cavaliers to the playoffs five times and to the NBA Finals in 2007. Despite these accomplishments, a championship eluded him during his seven-year tenure with the Cavs.
In the summer of 2010, LeBron faced a pivotal moment in his career. He became a free agent and made the controversial decision, famously revealed on live television in a show called “The Decision,” to join forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. This decision triggered outrage among Cavaliers fans, who once adored him. Videos circulated online of fans burning his jerseys and hoping for his failure in Miami.
LeBron, now a “villain” in the eyes of many, embraced his new role with the Miami Heat. He won back-to-back MVP awards in 2012 and 2013, and the trio of James, Wade, and Bosh posed a formidable challenge to the league. During this time, LeBron evolved as a player, adapting to different positions and playing styles.
The “super-team” in Miami spent four seasons together, reaching the NBA Finals in all four and winning back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. This era marked a turning point in player movement and empowerment in the NBA.
In a shocking turn of events in the summer of 2014, LeBron decided to return to the Cavaliers, where he had some unfinished business—bringing a championship to his city. He wasted no time exerting influence over the team’s roster decisions, orchestrating a trade for Kevin Love and forming another “Big Three” with Kyrie Irving.
In his first year back with the Cavaliers, LeBron led the team to the NBA Finals, but injuries to Irving and Love dashed their championship hopes. However, the following season, in 2016, the Cavaliers faced off against the Golden State Warriors in a historic NBA Finals rematch. Despite being down 3-1 in the series, LeBron’s extraordinary performances led the Cavaliers to an unprecedented comeback, securing their first-ever NBA championship.
LeBron continued to lead the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in the following two seasons, although they were unable to clinch another title. In 2018, he left Cleveland for the second time, but this departure was met with gratitude from fans for delivering a championship.
The next chapter of LeBron’s career unfolded in Los Angeles when he joined the Lakers, a franchise steeped in history. In his first season with the Lakers, injuries hampered the team’s performance. However, the acquisition of Anthony Davis in 2019 marked a new era for the Lakers, and they won the NBA championship in their first year together in 2020.
While the Lakers have faced challenges since then, LeBron’s leadership and unwavering excellence have propelled the team forward. As he enters his 21st season, LeBron boasts a remarkable legacy with 19 All-NBA selections, 19 All-Star selections, 10 NBA Finals appearances, four championships, four Finals MVP awards, and four regular-season MVP awards.
LeBron’s current contract includes a player option for the next season, leaving the door open for another exciting chapter in his storied career. As he strives to play alongside his son and capture at least one more championship, fans and basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate what Year 21 has in store for “The King.”
